More funds for paddy purchasing

Chulabandara KULASEKERA

ANURADHAPURA: The Government has released further Rs. 100 million on March 17 to purchase the paddy harvest in the Anuradhapura District. This is in addition to the Rs.75 million worth of paddy already bought from the Anuradhapura District.

Agrarian Services Minister S.M.Chandrasena made this disclosure at a discussion he chaired with the participation of Deputy Minister Siripala Gamlath and Government officials at Anuradhapura on March 16.

The Governments' paddy purchasing programme in the Anuradhapura District is now being re-activated by paddy purchase through 35 Agrarian Services Centres and Co-operative Societies.

The Government pays Rs. 16.50 for a kilogram of Naadu paddy while Samba paddy is bought at Rs. 17.50 per kilogram.

There was a delay in the purchasing of paddy due to lack of storage facilities but the Minister instructed the Assistant Commissioner, Agrarian Services, Anuradhapura to empty the barns and granaries soon and implement the programme of paddy purchasing without delay.